ReconcilingWorks News
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Monday, 22 April 2013 15:42 |
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 ReconcilingWorks urges participation in May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
To North Americans, Idaho is a largely mountainous state in the northwestern United States. But around the world, IDAHO is becoming known as something else: the International Day Against Homophobia (sometimes with Transphobia as part of the name to make the acronym IDAHOT).
IDAHO is recognized annually on May 17 to commemorate the date on which the World Health Organization decided to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. Since its conception about ten years ago, IDAHO has grown from a few local commemorations to include both secular and faith-based activities of all sorts in most countries of the world. An international coordinating committee helps local groups publicize their activities, connect to the wider movement and build mass awareness. These groups use everything from traditional media proclamations to Facebook, Twitter and flashmobs.
ReconcilingWorks’ European partner, the umbrella group European Forum of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Groups (www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu), was an early supporter of IDAHO. And in particular, many individual member organizations of the European Forum have lead the proclamation of IDAHO vigils for people of faith to reflect, individually or in larger gatherings, on an appropriate Biblical theme. For example, the European Forum’s member groups in Italy have announced, “We will meet together in several cities of Italy (Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, etc.) to celebrate many vigils of prayer to remember the victims of homophobia and to smash in, through our testimony, the wall of silence and embarrassment that usually prevails in our churches and our society about this heavy problem.”
ReconcilingWorks members are encouraged to organize an event or activity, such as a vigil, on May 17. RIC congregations might want to do something during worship on a Sunday around that date. (See resources provided at ReconcilingWorks website at www.reconcilingworks.org/idaho)
IDAHO activities are not meant to replace pride events (which happen at various times throughout the year in different locales) or Reconciling in Christ Sunday, celebrated in many RIC congregations and settings in late January. IDAHO augments all of these commemorations by increasing international awareness of LGBT-related issues, including a remembrance of those harmed by homophobic and transphobic attitudes but ending with positive stories of inclusion and reconciliation.
Support for vigils:
- See the IDAHO website at www.dayagainsthomophobia.org
- Resources to help plan vigils and to use at vigils can be found on the ReconcilingWorks website at www.reconcilingworks.org/idaho
- For 2013, the IDAHO vigils will be based on these Biblical passages: 1 John 3:13-18 and 1 John 4:18-21. Organizers of vigils are encouraged to use the theme of “There is no fear in love”, taken from the second of these passages.
- Vigils are meant to include a remembrance of some of the victims of homophobia and a telling of stories about experiences of homophobic violence. Find one story on the ReconcilingWorks web page for IDAHO at www.reconcilingworks.org/idaho
- The international organizers of the vigils are asking planners of local vigils to submit the dates of their events on the IDAHO website (go to www.dayagainsthomophobia.org then click on "News and events" and then "Submit your event")
Additional event: For those in the Washington, D.C., area, there will be a showing of “God Loves Uganda” at Washington National Cathedral on May 17. This feature-length documentary explores the evangelical campaign to change African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right. It follows American and Ugandan religious leaders fighting “sexual immorality” and missionaries trying to convince Ugandans to follow Biblical law. This showing is being organized by the St. Paul’s Foundation (www.stpaulsfdr.org) on behalf of the National Cathedral. There will also be a panel discussion after the viewing of the film. Watch the event calendar on the cathedral’s website - www.nationalcathedral.org - for more details. |
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Tuesday, 26 March 2013 15:33 |
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Two members of the ReconcilingWorks Board of Directors have vacated their positions, which were filled on an interim basis at the board’s meeting earlier in March.
Jeannine Janson, Yachats, Oregon, resigned from her position as Vice-Chair of Development. Her resignation signifies a retirement from many years of service on the organization’s board. She was the board’s Co-Chair from 2002 to 2008 and Vice-Chair of Development from 2011 to 2013. The Janson Distinguished Service Award was established in her honor in July 2008. She remains an active part of the development effort through phone and email contact with recent donors.
John Carter, Baltimore, Maryland, resigned for personal reasons from his position as Secretary. He continues as Convener of the Maryland Chapter of ReconcilingWorks and as a member of the Synod Council of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the ELCA.
Both Janson and Carter were elected to their most recent positions on the board at ReconcilingWorks’ biannual assembly in July 2012 in Washington, D.C.
“We thank Jeannine and John for their service on the board and dedication to the Lutheran movement toward full inclusion,” said Emily Eastwood, ReconcilingWorks Executive Director. “Their presence on this leadership body will be missed. We are grateful for the many years that Jeannine gave to the board in various roles and for John’s continued witness in his chapter, congregation, and synod.”
The board, meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 15 and 16, voted to fill the two positions for the remainder of 2013.
Taking Janson’s place as Vice-Chair of Development is Cheryl Persigehl, Minneapolis, Minnesota, who specializes in organizational development, communications, and marketing. Taking Carter’s place as Secretary is Phil Soucy, who was a board member and Director of Communications from 2005 to 2010 and again from 2011 to 2012.
“The board and staff are pleased that Cheryl and Phil were willing to step into these positions and to do it so ably,” said Eastwood. “We appreciate the fresh, outside perspective that Cheryl brings and the continuity that Phil brings as a veteran member of the board.”
Eastwood added that she is delighted to have Persigehl lend her expertise at this time because of renewed efforts by the board and staff in the area of fund raising, which will help ReconcilingWorks meet a goal to solidify and expand its presence and effectiveness in church and society. |
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Monday, 11 March 2013 12:47 |
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Over 300 faith leaders--including over 45 ELCA Lutheran pastors and a bishop--support the freedom to marry in Illinois. Click on the graphic below to see their letter of support and the full list of signatories.
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Friday, 15 February 2013 17:15 |
A report from the Rev. Kim Beckmann in Chicago:
In a Valentine’s Day session, the Illinois State Senate voted 34 – 21 yesterday in favor of SB 10: the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. This vote was a significant step toward making Illinois the tenth state to legally recognize and support the loving commitments and family relationships of all couples.
Bishop Wayne Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod sent letters to the Senate President and Majority leader, and the sponsor of the bill. The letter included a copy of that synod's resolution that had received overwhelming assembly support and had empowered Bishop Miller to communicate "that the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, meeting in Assembly, urges the Illinois Legislature and Governor to extend the protections and dignity of marriage to all persons and to protect the freedom of religion for all faith communities and religious organizations."
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In June 2012, the Metropolitan Chicago Synod voted overwhelmingly in support of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
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In his letter, Bishop Miller indicated that the Synod Assembly is the highest governing authority in the synod, which geographically comprises Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties, and includes voting members from 200 congregations representing 100,000 baptized members. He was presenting the resolution for the attention of the lawmakers “in the hope that it will assist you in making a wise and just decision concerning the pending legislation to permit marriage for same-gender couples in our state.”
House leaders (yet to vote) also received a copy of Bishop Miller’s letter and the Metro Chicago resolution, as did Gov. Quinn, who states he is eager to sign the bill. Previously, Bishop Miller had added his signature to that of 300 other clergy in an open letter to lawmakers supporting the bill, and had signed on as bishop to the amicus brief in the judicial challenge for freedom to marry.
Five clergy from suburban counties in Metro Chicago and three from the Northern Illinois Synod had traveled to Springfield a week ahead of the vote to speak with legislators uncertain of how people of faith were viewing this bill. The resolution also calls upon congregations and members of the Metro-Chicago synod to welcome, care for, and support same-gender couples and their families and to advocate for their legal protection.
For Lutherans in Illinois, now is the time to advocate. A “Lutheran Night” at the downtown phone bank is being held on February 26, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Remote phone banks are springing up elsewhere this week. Contact
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for more information about how you can lend your self and your voice to this moment.
The Rev. Kim Beckmann is serving as interim pastor for Acacia Park Lutheran Church in Norridge, Illinois. |
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Friday, 15 February 2013 17:12 |
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Yesterday, Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke of the Oregon Synod (ELCA), along with a large, ecumencial group of clergy in the Portland metro area, signed a petition in support of putting a call for the freedom to marry on the November 2014 ballot in Oregon.
Bishop Brauer-Rieke also wrote a letter to members of the Oregon Synod, elaborating on why he signed the petition. In part, he said, he did so “because I am a Lutheran.” He went on to say:
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| Bishop Brauer-Rieke |
“Lutherans have a unique understanding of marriage and the laws that support it. Martin Luther was clear during the Reformation that God gave the Church certain responsibilities, and that God gave the State other responsibilities. The Church is called to proclaim Christ. We are called to invite, forgive, welcome and heal. We do this through what we say and how we serve our neighbor. The State, on the other hand, is called to provide for the safety, equal protection and the fair treatment of its citizens. Marriage, Luther insisted, resides as a responsibility of the State because it involves the protection of children, issues of inheritance, debt and social recognition . . . .
“The legislation being proposed for the State of Oregon is about the protection of children. It is about the protection of children because without the benefits of same gender marriage, children in these households are not granted the same benefits, protections or regard that children with opposite gender, married parents receive.
“Marriage equality laws are about equal protection under the law for all citizens. As Oregon law stands, those in same gender relationships are denied rights to certain physical protections, hospital access, financial benefits and legal standing granted to those in legalized, opposite gender relationships –i.e. marriage.
“Marriage equality laws also maximize societal benefits that come from the protection and stabilization of families in general. In a day when marriage is being spurned, disrespected and ignored by so many, it is a gift to have people actually seeking to honor and pursue strong, marital, relationships. We want to support that.
“Protection of children is a value of mine. Fair treatment under the law is a value of mine. The support and respect of marriage as a central, societal institution is also a value of mine. I hold these values because I have been taught them by my church. I hold these values because every statement of my church, from 1970 to the present, speaking to issues of same gender relationships, has held that no matter how we might struggle around questions of sexuality and personal morality, we are all united around the need for fair and just laws that protect all people equally and work to stabilize society.”
ReconcilingWorks thanks Bishop Brauer-Rieke for his witness and advocacy for the freedom to marry. You can see the full text of the letter here.
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Thursday, 06 December 2012 00:00 |
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ReconcilingWorks Welcomes Kari Lipke to Staff
 Kari Lipke joined the ReconcilingWorks staff in late July to help organize Lutherans in support of the Washington United for Marriage Referendum 74 campaign. Her work on the campaign was made possible, in part, through a partnership with Gethsemane Lutheran in Seattle. At the successful completion of that campaign to bring marriage equality to the state of Washington, Kari will continue part-time as the ReconcilingWorks Regional Director for Region 1, which includes Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and a tiny slice of Wyoming.
As Regional Director, Kari will assist congregations, synods, and other organizations in the region to become Reconciling in Christ (RIC) and help them live into the new policies of the ELCA in both pulpit and pew. She will work from Seattle.
"The board approved the part-time position at its fall meeting," said Executive Director Emily Eastwood. "We know, especially from the recent organizing work in Washington, Minnesota, and Maryland, that having paid staff, even part-timers, dramatically increases the reach of our work for full inclusion. We are blessed indeed that she has decided to join us."
"Kari brings with her an extraordinary array of Lutheran relationships, both in Washington State and beyond. Her work during the Washington campaign for marriage equality was, by all accounts, remarkable. We also highly value the collaborative relationship we had with Gethsemane Lutheran, Seattle, which enabled her to do that work. Collaboration with creative congregational ministries, synods, and other Lutheran non-profits who have part-time staffers within a given region is now possible in the post-policy change ELCA."
Kari is an approved candidate for ordained ministry in the ELCA. She lives with her spouse, Joanne, and their dog, Stella, in Seattle. Kari grew up on a farm in Minnesota. She earned her BA at Gustavus Adolphus College in 1998, her M.Div. at Harvard Divinity School in 2011, and completed her supervised congregational internship through Luther Seminary this past August. She worked at Gustavus from 1998 to 2008, first for two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA organizer, organizing literacy and tornado-recovery projects in the St. Peter community, and then for eight years as an administrator in the Chaplains' Office and Community Service Center. During these years, Kari volunteered extensively at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, serving as a volunteer youth director, a member of the Christian Education team, council chairperson, and as part of the team that shepherded First Lutheran's successful RIC process. Kari also taught yoga in St. Peter, both on campus and in the community, including a weekly group for offenders at a local juvenile facility. In 2008, Kari entered candidacy in the ELCA and began formal theological education in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During her three years there, she worked for University Lutheran Church as the Coordinator for Young Adults and Graduate Students. In the last two years, she also served as lead confirmation teacher.
On May 22, 2011, Kari and Joanne were married at University Lutheran. The two moved to Seattle that summer: Joanne to a new call as pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Kari to a seminary internship at St. John United Lutheran Church (both RIC).
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Monday, 03 December 2012 12:01 |
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Illinois’ Augustana College to allow same-gender ceremonies on campus
Augustana Co llege, Rock Island, Illinois, announced in late November that it would allow same-gender weddings and blessings of unions on campus.
In a letter sent to students, faculty and staff, the college’s president, Steve Bahls, explained that a recommendation had come earlier in the fall from the college’s chaplains, the Revs. Richard Priggie and Kristen Glass Perez, to consent to same-gender weddings on campus.
“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), to which the college is related, permits same-gender weddings so long as the local congregation consents,” Bahls wrote. “Because Augustana is a church-related institution and not a congregation, the Bishop of our Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA [Gary Wollersheim] determined that it was up to me as President of the College to provide or not provide consent. I decided to consent.”
Augustana is one of the first major institutions of the ELCA that is not a congregation to publicly welcome same-gender weddings and blessings within its jurisdiction. ReconcilingWorks applauded Bahls for taking a public and prophetic stance on marriage as one of the ELCA’s leaders of higher education and for helping to put the ELCA’s policy allowing same-gender ceremonies, enacted in 2009, into practice within the denomination.
Augustana became a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) institution in 2003 and is one of only two RIC colleges in the ELCA. Illinois has allowed civil unions – but not same-gender marriages – since 2011.
Bahls further explained his decision in his letter by saying it was a matter of non-discrimination. He added that, in 2003, the college extended its health insurance plans to cover same-gender couples.
“To make a life-long commitment of love and fidelity is an extraordinary act of faith,” Bahls’ letter concluded. “We need more of those commitments in this broken world, and I am proud of our campus chaplains for bringing this request forward.” |
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Wednesday, 07 November 2012 14:22 |
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ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation
www.ReconcilingWorks.org
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
November 7, 2012
ReconcilingWorks celebrates victories nationwide for LGBT people
ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation is reacting to yesterday’s election with joy at the sweeping victories for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in four states and for re-electing an ally to the presidency.
“Ground gained in the last four years for equality for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities is more secure than ever before,” said Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of ReconcilingWorks. “That three states would approve marriage for same-gender couples and another would defeat an anti-gay constitutional amendment sends a strong message that marriage is coming to a neighborhood near all of us.”
ReconcilingWorks is a national organization that works for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
“Today I am proud to be a citizen of the United States. The democratic process has worked and the people have spoken for justice,” Eastwood said, but noted that the United States is still deeply divided. “Our reconciling work is far from complete. Celebration and rest are both appropriate. Then, we must turn our attention to what we do best: building relationships, engaging across affinity and ideological group lines, and bringing the lens of the Gospel and the love of God to every interaction.”
Four states – Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington – had measures on their statewide ballots relating to marriage equality. Voters in Maryland, Maine and Washington (projected) became the first states to approve marriage equality by voter referendum. Minnesota voted to defeat a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality within the state.
ReconcilingWorks had significant involvement in campaigns in Minnesota and Washington to convince voters to choose equality in marriage in their states.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota voters defeated the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, which would have amended the state’s constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
The Rev. Anita C. Hill, a Regional Director for ReconcilingWorks in an area that includes Minnesota, organized Lutherans United for All Families, part of the larger Minnesotans United for All Families campaign.
“I am delighted that the voters of Minnesota chose to leave the door open for the eventual inclusion of same-gender families in the privileges and protections of legal marriage,” Hill said.
She worked with hundreds of congregations and religious institutions to encourage Lutherans to vote against the amendment. “It has been my privilege to work with people of faith across the state who engaged tender and vulnerable conversations with their family members and friends about what marriage for same-gender couples means to them,” she said. “We will continue to work for the full equality for all couples who wish to say their wedding vows before God, family, and community, and to have their marriage legally recognized by our state.”
Yesterday’s vote affects Hill personally. “My partner and I are ready for the day when our relationship of 19 years will become a legal marriage in our home state,” she said.
WASHINGTON
News outlets are projecting that voters in Washington have approved Referendum 74 to legalize marriage equality.
With support from ReconcilingWorks, Kari Lipke represented Lutherans on the Faith Cabinet for the Washington United for Marriage campaign, helping to connect supportive Lutheran congregations and individuals with campaign efforts to approve Referendum 74.
“Assuming the projections hold, my heart soars with gratitude for the Washington voters who have opted to stand firmly on the side of love, commitment, and freedom in regard to marriage equality,” Lipke said.
In her work, Lipke helped secure, train, and encourage Lutheran spokespersons for advertisements, press conferences, letters to the editor, friend/family conversations, phone banks, and canvassing.
“Going forward, this vote will stand as a beacon of hope for the whole country, lighting the way to a fair and equal future for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and opening the door of true religious freedom for churches, synagogues, and other communities of faith that long to celebrate marriage with all loving, committed couples,” Lipke said.
MARYLAND
Maryland voters approved the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which went to voters after it was approved by the Maryland General Assembly in February 2012 and signed by Governor Martin O’Malley in March 2012.
“I am joyously celebrating that the citizens of Maryland have voted to keep the Civil Marriage Protection Act legislation in place by extending security and civil rights to LGBTQ couples and families,” said John Carter, Convener of the ReconcilingWorks Maryland chapter and a member of the organization’s national board. “This action verifies that Maryland is a progressive state and shows that our society is evolving toward a more mature and egalitarian society that embraces diversity and assures equal application of benefits to its constituents.”
MAINE
The majority of voters in Maine supported marriage equality for all loving, committed couples by affirming Question 1 on that state’s ballot.
While ReconcilingWorks did not have a presence in the state in the months before the election to speak to voters on the question, it asked its members in other states to take part in a last-minute campaign. ReconcilingWorks members took part in a Mainers United campaign to phone Catholics to encourage them to remain committed to voting yes for same-sex marriage in that state.
Eastwood, speaking from ReconcilingWorks’ headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., noted that yesterday’s votes marked progress toward a larger goal. “Our church and our world are turning toward justice, albeit more slowly than we like. Our mission remains unchanged, to create the change we seek, a church and a world that welcomes and includes,” she said.
# # #
For more information, contact
Stephen Padre, ReconcilingWorks Director of Communications:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
; 202/360-6971. |
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Friday, 19 October 2012 10:00 |
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First United Lutheran, San Francisco, Returns to the ELCA
On October 14, a service of Reconciliation and Healing was held at First United Lutheran Church, San Francisco, to mark an important decision in the life of the congregation: to accept the Sierra Pacific synod's invitation to return to the ELCA so that they may better proclaim their prophetic witness and continue their ministry to church and society. With great joy, ReconcilingWorks celebrates with the congregation in this decision. Congratulations to First United, the Sierra Pacific Synod, and the ELCA!
First United's journey to this day was not easy. In 1996, the congregation was expelled from the ELCA for having called and ordained Jeff Johnson as pastor in 1990. At that same time, St. Francis Lutheran, also of San Francisco, was similarly thrust into controversy, disciplinary action, and expulsion when that congregation ordained Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart as pastors.
 Both congregations extended these calls to service in faithful response to the baptismal call to be the church in God's world. As such, these calls were also principled acts of ecclesiastical disobedience. The policy of the time was that ministers living in committed, same-gender relationships were precluded from service in the ELCA. The actions of these congregations led to the movement that became Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries, which then became the Extraordinary Candidacy Project, and which eventually led to the formation of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. (See elm.org).
In 2009, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly ended the policy discriminating against ministers living in committed, lifelong, same-gender relationships. In 2010, Jeff, Ruth and Phyllis were received onto the roster of ELCA clergy, with their 1990 ordinations and their subsequent ministries recognized by the national church.
The Rev. Susan Strouse, pastor of First United since 2004, wrote in her personal blog: "To say that the wounds of that expulsion have disappeared or no longer have some spots that are still sore would be wrong. Wounds must be acknowledged and treated with tenderness. But we must also acknowledge and be open to the healing work that is happening within us. Then we truly become, as Henri Nouwen described, 'wounded healers,' using our stories for the good of others. That is what [we celebrate]. That is the hope that we hold out to others as well. That is the church at its best."
The Rev. Mark Holmerud, bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod (ELCA) and preacher for the October 14 service, thanked First United for its steadfast witness. He said, "It's important to say that you never left. You've been here, leading the San Francisco Conference, the Sierra Pacific synod, the ELCA, and faith communities throughout the world . . . . Thank you for the faithful witness you have offered and will continue to offer of the reconciling love of Christ that changes our lives and will not let go of us, until the world itself will be reconciled to God. And beyond what you have done to serve well the people of San Francisco, you have helped to change the landscape of Christianity itself so that, more and more, the radically inclusive love in the ministry of Jesus Christ is what we are becoming known for, in a world that is waiting to receive this good news, through us."
Please join Frist United in their celebration. Visit their website, http://fulc.com, or on Facebook to share your thoughts and prayers.
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Wednesday, 17 October 2012 15:04 |
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Annually, the last Sunday in January is designated as "Reconciling in Christ Sunday." RIC Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the witness of God's love for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It's a time to highlight what it means to live a theology of reconciliation.
Go here to download RIC Sunday resources:
www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/ric-sunday-and-pride-sunday
These celebrations will be echoed throughout the welcoming movements in many communities of faith. We invite you to talk with your pastors, worship leaders, and others in your congregation and encourage them to designate Sunday, January 27, as RIC Sunday.
Worship Resources for RIC Sunday 2013 are now available on the ReconcilingWorks web site (www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/ric-sunday-and-pride-sunday). For 2013, resources have been compiled for your use by a team composed of the Rev. Brenda Froisland, the Rev. Dawn Roginski, the Rev. Bradley Schmeling, and Tim Feiertag. Resources include suggested hymns, liturgies, prayers, and sermon notes. This year, children's sermon suggestions are also included. If your congregation cannot participate in RIC Sunday on January 27, you may adapt these resources for use on another Sunday of your choosing, such as near National Coming Out Day (October 11) or the anniversary of your joining the Reconciling In Christ program, or in conjunction with the local LGBT Pride celebrations.
Many members of RIC congregations are doing wonderful things to further the welcome in their congregations; many acknowledge there is much more to do. Here are a few ideas:
- "Reconciling Lutheran" drive: Invite all members of your congregation to sign the Reconciling Lutheran covenant. The RIC Sunday website (www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/ric-sunday-and-pride-sunday) has a stand-alone sign-up form, as well as a more comprehensive bulletin insert. See how many members of your congregation are willing to publicly state their support for full participation in the life of the Lutheran Church. Send completed forms to the ReconcilingWorks office.
- Invite the wider community to your congregation for RIC Sunday. Are there people who need to hear a word of welcome, explicitly and individually, who have not heard it yet? Many have heard about the policy changes of the Lutheran Church, and you can help do the work of reconciliation by showing them a congregation that supports the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Take up a special offering to support ReconcilingWorks' continued work. Such support will provide the resources to help other congregations go through the process leading to adopting a welcoming statement and becoming an RIC congregation.
Blessings on your work and ministry throughout 2013.
Tim Feiertag
Grassroots Organizing and Training Coordinator
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Tuesday, 28 August 2012 14:56 |
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Two new staff members begin work at ReconcilingWorks’ St. Paul office
ReconcilingWorks is pleased to announce that two new people have joined the staff at its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Ben Masters is the new Executive Assistant, supporting the work of the Executive Director and other staff in a variety of areas, including calendar management, expense reporting, and development. Ben has lived in the Twin Cities since he arrived for a year with Lutheran Volunteer Corps in 2009. In the work of widening the church’s welcome, he continues to be encouraged by the words from the Salvadoran hymn “Vamos Todos al Banquete” (523 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship): “May we build such a place among us / Where all people are equal in love! / God has called us to work together / And to share everything we have!”
Brit Barkholtz is the 2012-2013 Lutheran Volunteer Corps intern. A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, she recently received her BA in Honors Music with emphases in Composition and Piano Performance and a minor in Environmental Studies. A passionate advocate for “liberty and justice for all,” Brit spent a significant amount of time during her college years volunteering with organizations including the campus environmental groups, the Women’s Awareness Center, and the Gustavus chapter of Queers and Allies. She also is a 5-year member of the street-team volunteer corps for the national non-profit organization To Write Love On Her Arms. Brit’s favorite things include playing piano, laughing with friends, making kids smile, drinking strong church-basement coffee, speaking French, cheering at her siblings’ hockey games, talking about Tanzania, watching the Weather Channel, and wearing pink.
“The hymn that encourages Ben is apt,” said Executive Director Emily Eastwood. “We are pleased that God has called us, including these two new staff members, to work together. We look forward to sharing our office here in St. Paul and our work out in the world with them.”
You may have heard from Ben or Brit already, but this officially announces their start with us. Please join us in welcoming them to the staff.
They can be reached at:
Ben:
651-665-0861 ext 116
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Brit:
651-665-0861 ext 114
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Saturday, 25 August 2012 07:57 |
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Bishop Ann Svennungsen, ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod, joined over 150 members of clergy Thursday to urge fellow Minnesotans to vote no on the freedom-limiting marriage amendment that will appear on the ballot in November. If passed, the amendment would put a ban on marriages for same-gender couples into the state constitution.
 The clergy, representing more than a dozen denominations from throughout Minnesota, gathered outside the main entrance of the Minnesota State Fair grounds on the opening day of the fair to hold a press conference. Bishop Svennungsen addressed the assembled crowd and members of the press:
"As Lutherans, we believe it is possible for people of faith to arrive at different positions on this issue and to respect the bound consciences of others. I believe it is incredibly important that we speak with love and respect, especially when we disagree.
"Indeed, one of the greatest concerns if we pass this amendment is that it forecloses the kind of conversation we need in our world--informed, respectful conversation often lacking in this polarized society.
"We Lutherans also believe that the Biblical vision of justice also calls us to protect civil rights and prohibit discrimination of all people.
"We believe that God works through the wonderful structures of marriage and family for the common good and that we are all called to support relationships of lifelong fidelity and trust--support that is often lacking in the 21st century.
"Finally, at the center of the Christian faith is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his radical welcome for all people. As we Christians try to live faithfully in our wonderful, mysterious, and ever-changing world, we seek to pattern our lives on the radical welcome we have received from Jesus Christ."
Also addressing the press were Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Senior Rabbi of Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka; Adam Rao, pastor at SafeHouse Church in Minneapolis; and the Rev. Grant Stevenson, Faith Director for Minnesotans United for All Families.
Thursday's event was organized by Minnesotans United for All Families, a coalition of over 560 partner organizations forming the official campaign to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment. ReconcilingWorks is a coalition member.
Tim Fisher, ReconcilingWorks
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Saturday, 11 August 2012 19:46 |
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RECONCILINGWORKS
PRESS RELEASE
August 11, 2012
Pioneering Lutheran Pastor Blazes Trails Again in Taking New Position
The Rev. Anita C. Hill, an openly lesbian and partnered pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was installed August 11, 2012, as a Regional Director for ReconcilingWorks at a worship service held at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Pastor Hill began in her position with ReconcilingWorks, an organization that works for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, on May 1. The worship service was a formal installation of Pastor Hill in her position following the action of the of the ELCA's St. Paul Area Synod council to issue a letter of call for her to serve in the position as a pastor. She directs ReconcilingWorks' activities in Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
This is the first time an independent Lutheran LGBT advocacy organization has been officially recognized as a proper context for the purposes of the ordained ministry: care of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, and pastoral care.
"When the St. Paul Area Synod issued a call to Pastor Anita Hill for her ministry with ReconcilingWorks, the synod, and, by extension, the larger ELCA, further demonstrated that it views our organization as a partner in this ministry we share," said ReconcilingWorks Executive Director Emily Eastwood. "Anita's pioneering spirit, powerful preaching, and willful tenacity are matched by her deep faith and loving care for all kinds of people. Her installation was a covenant of relationship where promises were made between a pastor, the congregation assembled, the organization, and the synod."
Pastor Hill was called as a pastoral minister to St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul in 1994. As an open lesbian, she made history in 2001 when the congregation formally ordained her as a pastor "extraordinarily." At the time, this was an act of ecclesiastical disobedience because the policy of the ELCA barred ministry by LGBT persons who were in committed, same-gender relationships. As a result, the ELCA censured the congregation and did not recognize Pastor Hill as a pastor of the congregation, much less the denomination.
In 2009, all prohibitions against lesbian and gay clergy were dropped, and the following year Pastor Hill was placed on the roster of ELCA ministers.
"To continue my ministry beyond parish service in 2012 with ReconcilingWorks while retaining active roster status brings many blessings to ReconcilingWorks and to me personally," Pastor Hill said. "I waited and worked for change for many years before being received on the roster of our church. This call means I will be able to serve fully as a pastor of Word and Sacrament with ReconcilingWorks."
Pastor Hill said that her role as Regional Director will be to help both pastors and members in ELCA congregations live into the new policies of the denomination. "I will be spreading the good news of Christ Jesus, sharing the ministry of reconciliation, facilitating workshops such as anti-bullying, faithful conversations about LGBT concerns, and generally building an inclusive church," she said.
Pastor Hill will also focus on Lutheran communities of faith and with similar faith leaders in other denominations, as well as allies in the secular arena throughout Minnesota to defeat an amendment to the state's constitution that would stop gay and lesbian couples from marrying the person they love. She will also co-chair ReconcilingWorks' committee working at the intersection of oppressions.
The Rev. Bradley Schmeling, another national figure like Pastor Hill whose congregation stood with him as an openly gay pastor, preached at the worship service. Pastor Schmeling is senior pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Also participating in the service was The Rev. Paul Erickson, an assistant to the St. Paul Area Synod's bishop. He participated in the service of installation for Pastor Hill when she was officially received to the ELCA clergy roster in 2010.
"Some may say today's service was simply part of the natural progression from policy to practice," said Eastwood. "For those of us who have been involved in this ministry for the last 38 years or more, tears were mingled with smiles and applause as our cups overflowed in joy and fulfillment. We thank God for the gift of this ministry of reconciliation and for calling leaders like Pastor Anita Hill. We thank Anita for her willingness to share her gifts with us."
The reception following the service also allowed participants to be the first to tour the new offices of ReconcilingWorks at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.
About ReconcilingWorks:
Working at the intersection of oppressions, ReconcilingWorks (formerly Lutherans Concerned/North America) embodies, inspires, advocates and organizes for the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners. ReconcilingWorks is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The new email addresses for ReconcilingWorks end with @reconcilingworks.org. Our website is now www.reconcilingworks.org. Phone numbers are unaffected. |
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Friday, 20 July 2012 13:12 |
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Cordially invites you to a
Service of Installation
for
The Rev. Anita C. Hill
Saturday, August 11, 2012
2:00 pm
Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church
1669 Arcade St N St Paul MN 55106
Preaching: The Rev. Bradley Schmeling
Presiding: The Rev. Bonnie Wilcox
Installing: The Rev. Paul Erickson
Reception to follow, with a tour of ReconcilingWorks’ new office suite at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.
All are welcome, without exception!
ReconcilingWorks (formerly Lutherans Concerned/North America) is pleased to announce that the Saint Paul Area Synod Council has issued call to The Rev. Anita C. Hill to serve as ReconcilingWorks Regional Director for Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
UPDATE ON DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Because of a bridge replacement on I-35E - the section north of I-94 will be closed on the weekend of the installation. Please take a route (other than I-35E) that brings you to Hwy 36, so you can proceed south on Hwy 61 to 1169 Arcade at the intersection with Larpenteur--the corner where Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is located. See you there!
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Friday, 20 July 2012 05:50 |
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During our recently-completed assembly, Reconcilling Works 2012, the formation of TransLutherans was proclaimed, an affinity group of transgender, gender-nonconforming and allies.
The primary goals of TransLutherans are four-fold
a) to lift up and provide support for transgender and gender non-conforming people;
b) to call out to the people of God to welcome them as part of God's sacred creation;
c) to educate others about transgender and gender non-conforming people and the issues they face;
d) to advocate for welcome and full inclusion of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the life of the Church.
All transgender and gender non-conforming people and allies are invited to join the new affinity group.
The principal point of contact for TransLutherans in ReconcilingWorks’s leadership is JamieAnn Meyers, Trans Representative on the Board of Directors,(
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
).
JamieAnn Meyers said, “TransLutherans is both a source of support and safety, as well as an extraordinarily powerful force for advocacy and change. If you are a Lutheran transgender or gender non-conforming person or an ally, no matter where you are in your journey of faith, please contact me and join TransLutherans. If you know of someone who should be told of TransLutherans, tell them. There is strength in numbers as all of us, people of an infinite variety of sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, walk together with one another and with God.
“Please pray for this newborn affinity group and for our work among us. God continues to call all of us by name -- there is a place at the table for all of us, no exceptions. Let us all be reconciled with one another through Christ, whose love and mercy and grace are infinite.”
More detail will come to you in the next issue of the Concord about TransLutherans and its work. |
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Thursday, 19 July 2012 12:04 |
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ReconcilingWorks to provide education for 35,000 youth to practice peacemaking at the ELCA National Youth Gathering
For the second time, ReconcilingWorks has been officially invited to participate in the National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), to be held July 18-22 in New Orleans. ReconcilingWorks will engage youth in support of the gathering's theme: "Citizens of the saints."
With the expected participation of 35,000 teenagers and their adult chaperones, the National Youth Gathering is the largest event organized by the 4.2 million-member church and is meant to help in the faith formation of its younger members.
ReconcilingWorks staff members Tim Feiertag, Kurt Neumann, Emily Hamilton, and Travis Van Horn will represent the organization at the gathering. They will host two anti-bullying workshops and staff an interactive booth in the convention center hall, where gathering participants can learn about how faith compels believers to speak out, bringing their Lutheran voices to bear on societal problems and exercising their faith through witness, education, and action.
As part of the gathering's "Practice Peacemaking" sub-theme, ReconcilingWorks will facilitate two workshops developed and conducted by the Pacific Violence Prevention Institute, called "The Ally Inside You." These workshops will use video, facilitated discussion, and role-playing exercises to prepare participants to change from bystanders into effective allies by teaching them the skills to intervene effectively in acts of bullying and harassment that they witness.
Travis Van Horn, serving a summer internship with ReconcilingWorks, attended the previous youth gathering as a high-school student and said he feels he can relate well to this gathering's participants.
"I want to get across that there is a place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identifications in this church," said Van Horn.
He explained that youth gatherings help young people see that their voice in the church is more powerful than they realize. This can allow them to take a leadership role in changing attitudes. "When they say something, it gets listened to a lot more than the average church-goer," he said.
Held every three years, Youth Gatherings bring together ELCA teenage members, adults, volunteers, and other Lutherans from around the world for leadership development, faith formation, service opportunities and more.
"I want young people to return to their congregations as leaders, demonstrating what they've learned and possibly igniting the whole congregation's imagination" for mission, Heidi Hagstrom, director of the gatherings, told the ELCA news service. She added that that this gathering is also about justice and love.
The Rev. Mark Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, is one of the gathering's keynote speakers. His address to the youth will come soon after his July 7 keynote speech to the ReconcilingWorks assembly in Washington, D.C., a historic first. In that speech, Bishop Hanson commended the organization for "providing essential leadership in the ELCA's anti-bullying commitment, helping us to make sure that commitment is more than just words in a resolution, but occasion for awareness and action, repentance and healing." |
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Thursday, 19 July 2012 12:01 |
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July 9, 2012
ReconcilingWorks Assembly Calls On Congress to Support Their Constituents Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression and End Second-Class Citizen Status
Met in its biennial assembly, ReconcilingWorks passed resolutions calling on the Congress of the United States to take up and pass legislation that relates directly to support of their constituents, their families and their right to live as all others do, in a society that no longer allows discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
On the subject of anti-bullying, the assembly called on the Congress to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 1648/S. 506) that would establish a framework whereby states and communities make schools safer for students and the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 998/S. 555) that would establish federal protections for students suffering from harassment regardless of sexual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
On the subject of employment, the assembly called on the Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) (H.R. 1397/S. 812) that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
On the subject of equality under the law and ending second-class citizenship for LGBT people, the assembly called on the Congress to pass the Respect for Marriage Act that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, an act that currently denies many loving, same-gender couples federal recognition of their lifelong commitment to each other through marriage.
And, on the subject of equality in immigration, the assembly called on the Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1537/S. 821) that would enable loving families to remain together by extending immigration protections to same-gendered couples. Under current laws, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident is permitted to sponsor his/her spouse, child, or parent, but U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are not permitted to sponsor their same-gender partners.
In all of these cases, the assembly called upon the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the synod bishops, clergy and other church leaders to advocate publically for the passage of these pieces of legislation. The assembly also called on all to make ReconcilingWorks's position on these pieces of legislation known to their elected members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
The participants in this 2012 assembly of ReconcilingWorks will do just that tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10, 2012, when they visit the offices of members of Congress for whom they are constituents, to tell how these subjects affect their lives as citizens. |
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Thursday, 19 July 2012 11:59 |
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July 3, 2012
Historic First - Lutheran Presiding Bishop Keynotes Pro-LGBT Faith Group ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson addresses ReconcilingWorks Assembly in Washington, D.C. July 7, 2012
Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA) will deliver an historic keynote on July 7, 2:30 pm, to the ReconcilingWorks biennial gathering running from July 6-10 in Washington, D.C. Formerly known as Lutherans Concerned/North America, ReconcilingWorks launched its new organization name, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation, on June 12th, to better reflect their ongoing ministry with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, their families and congregations throughout the denomination.
This first-ever presentation by a presiding bishop of the 4.2 million member ELCA Lutheran denomination follows a 2009 ELCA assembly decision to drop the prohibition against partnered gay or lesbian ministers. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in 2011 also voted to permit marriage or blessing of same-gender couples.
"We are honored to have Bishop Hanson address the ReconcilingWorks Assembly," said Emily Eastwood, executive director. "Bishop Hanson is an important spiritual leader, the visible head of our church. Today as we live into our new name, ReconcilingWorks, we look forward to hearing Bishop Hanson on the subject of reconciliation and look forward to our work helping to create a church where Christ's reconciling love is embodied through full participation in the church."
When prohibitions were dropped, many ELCA congregations celebrated that they could call ministers to serve regardless of whom they love or how they express their gender. LGBT people in committed relationships have been ordained, reinstated and called to serve since the change in policy.
The ReconcilingWorks assembly is being held at Luther Place Memorial Lutheran Church, 1226 Vermont Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20005
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Friday, 15 June 2012 14:08 |
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Minnesota Lutheran synod assemblies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have been clear about their opposition to legislation or public policies that would preclude same-gender couples and their families from pursuing ordinary means to achieve the same support and protections afforded to all other citizens of Minnesota.
Such a prohibition is exactly what the referendum on the ballot for the general election in November 2012 would do -- amend the state constitution to make it impossible for same-gender couples to use the normal means of redress to achieve the same protections enjoyed by all other citizens of the state.
The six ELCA synods in Minnesota stated their positions in favor of equality under law through votes taken at their assemblies recently or, in one case, through an assembly stance maintained for the last six years. These synod assemblies represent the more than 750,000 ELCA Lutherans living in Minnesota; most voted by overwhelming majorities. These votes do not bind the individual members of the synods to vote in any particular way in November. The church encourages its members to participate in civil political processes as part of living out their baptismal vocations, exercising their spiritual and civic duty to serve the neighbor.
Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, ReconcilingWorks (formerly Lutherans Concerned/North America), said "A growing number of ELCA Lutherans in Minnesota understand the stakes in the upcoming ballot initiative. They understand that the anti-gay marriage amendment is an attempt by some to restrict the human right of others to seek redress of an inequality under the law by normal legal means. They understand that the proposed amendment is actually the antithesis of religious freedom: ignoring and thereby violating freedom of religion for those who favor marriage equality. They understand that the choices are clear in November. To pass the amendment would diminish the constitution of this state by reducing some citizens to second-class status. To defeat the amendment will preserve the constitution free of such harm, leaving it as the document that preserves the opportunity for equality under the law. In the months to come, the hard work of relationship building through deep listening and the sharing, heart-to-heart, of our stories of faith and family will build on the firm foundation of synod assembly actions. Full participation in church and society depends on each of us and all of us, Lutherans united for all families, not just for some. Our faith compels us. We respond with graceful determination and relentless love in action.”
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Wednesday, 13 June 2012 10:39 |
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The Metropolitan Chicago Synod assembly called for civil marriage for all at its annual assembly held in Tinley Park, Illinois on June 1-2, 2012. The vote by show of cards of the nearly 350 present was overwhelmingly in favor; well over 90%. The synod is comprised of 202 congregations, nearly 98,000 members, located in Chicago and the surrounding area.
A hearing for discussion of the resolution prior to floor debate was attended by close to one-third of the voting membership. Those who spoke in favor of the resolution at the hearing and on the floor of the assembly represented the racial, economic, and age diversity of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and the diversity ReconcilingWorks is striving to realize in its commitment to work at the intersection of oppressions. The pain and offense of all these histories of discrimination and oppressions, the call to fairness and freedom, the opportunity for gospel witness and mission, and the prophetic moment for the church to take a stand were all prominent themes in support of the resolution.
The resolution passed first called on congregations and members of the synod "to welcome, care for, and support same-gender couples and their families and to advocate for their legal protection."
Next the synod assembly urged the Illinois Legislature and the Governor of Illinois to "extend the protections and dignity of marriage to all persons and to protect the freedom of religion for all faith communities and religious organizations."
Finally the synod assembly urged the synod bishop, the Rev. Wayne Miller, to make the synod's position known to the state legislature, the governor, the congregations of the synod and the public at large.
Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans Concerned, said "Taken in its own context, that of Illinois, and the clarion call this is to the secular leadership of that state to provide equal protection and privilege under law to all citizens, this action sends a very strong message. In doing that, Metropolitan Chicago joins synods in Maryland; Minnesota; Washington, DC; and Washington State sending a message that equality under the law is essential, is consistent with the ELCA Social Statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," and that the freedom of congregations and pastors to follow their consciences as to whom they will marry or not is protected." |
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Events
Building an Inclusive Church is an intense training workshop intended to give participants the tools and knowledge base to build local or synodical teams equipped to work effectively to foster the expansion of the RIC Program within area congregations.
In partnership with the Institute for Welcoming Resources, ReconcilingWorks offers these trainings several times a year in various locations.
To see a current schedule and to register, please see the Institute for Welcoming Resource website.
For more information, please go here.
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